2024 | Cabot Institute for the Environment

Steady flight of kestrels could see aerial safety soar 8 August 2024 A new joint study by RMIT and The University of Bristol has revealed the secrets to the remarkably steady flight of kestrels and could inform future drone designs and flight control strategies.

Butterflies accumulate enough static electricity to attract pollen without contact 24 July 2024 Butterflies and moths collect so much static electricity whilst in flight, that pollen grains from flowers can be pulled by static electricity across air gaps of several millimetres or centimetres.

Reframing sustainable timber sourcing: new research calls for regenerative approach 22 July 2024 Amid growing uncertainty about the sustainability of timber sourcing, new research by University of Bristol experts highlights the necessity of shifting focus from simply using certified, locally sourced timber to a more comprehensive understanding of timber availability and sustainability.

Scientists create world’s most amazingly difficult maze with future potential to boost carbon capture 2 July 2024 In new research physicists have wielded the power of chess to design a group of intricate mazes, which could ultimately be used to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Regenerated Large Blue butterfly takes flight on film screenings open to all 1 July 2024 Bristol is a city famous for its blue glass, but the beautiful Large Blue butterfly, once almost extinct, is perhaps lesser known.

Hidden genetic treasure: wheat discovery could sustainably feed global population 17 June 2024 A decade-long collaborative study has discovered huge genetic potential that is untapped in modern wheat varieties.

New PhD to investigate mental health benefits of surfing 17 June 2024 A new University of Bristol PhD will study the relationship between surfing and mental wellbeing, after a new report found the sport boosts physical and mental health.

Trailblazing Bristol chemist who helped revolutionise laboratory learning awarded OBE 14 June 2024 A pioneering University of Bristol chemist who has helped more than 10,000 teachers across the UK and worldwide inspire and educate the next generation of scientists has been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

University of Bristol scientist wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize 12 June 2024 A University of Bristol scientist has been awarded the Environment, Sustainability & Energy mid-career Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry for his pioneering work in monitoring the changing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Student-designed hand-spun washing machine to help 150,000 people 12 June 2024 A hand-spun washing machine designed with the help of University of Bristol students will soon be delivered to 10,000 families across the developing world.

Bristol scores highly in global sustainable development rankings 12 June 2024 The University of Bristol is celebrating after scoring in the top 100 in its first entry into the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Research signals major milestone in cutting harmful gases that deplete ozone and worsen global warming 11 June 2024 A new study has revealed significant progress in the drive to reduce levels in the atmosphere of chemicals that destroy Earth’s ozone layer, confirming the success of historic regulations limiting their production.

Bristol climbs to 54th in ‘prestigious’ world university rankings 5 June 2024 The University of Bristol has been named the 54th best university in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Former Bristol Mayor and Cabot Institute join forces to help make all cities fairer, better, and more sustainable 5 June 2024 Cities play a pivotal role in overcoming the pressing challenges posed by climate change – and the University of Bristol is ramping up efforts to support them on a local, national, and international level.

Summer droughts in Northern hemisphere increasingly likely as seasonal streamflows change 4 June 2024 Declining snowfall is changing the seasonal patterns of streamflow throughout the Northern hemisphere boosting chances of water shortages in the summer, scientists have found.

Bristol just transition trailblazers make tracks for Bonn Climate Change Conference 4 June 2024 Climate change experts from the University of Bristol are all set to champion inclusivity and ensuring a fair shift to a net zero economy at a major United Nations summit – the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany this week.

Prenatal exposure to air pollution associated with increased mental health risks 28 May 2024 A baby’s exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in JAMA Network Open today [28 May], examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution.

Energy from the sky: how drones can be used to generate electricity 28 May 2024 Using drones to harvest wind energy could play a significant role in the UK’s net-zero mission.

Caterpillars can detect their predators by the static electricity they emit 24 May 2024 Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators, scientists at the University of Bristol have found.

Research reveals more people died from hot or cold weather conditions than COVID-19 in parts of UK 23 May 2024 Research has highlighted how weather extremes worsened by climate change are now a major national public health threat.

Bristol hosts Swiss-British Summit to drive innovation in healthcare and environmental sustainability 23 May 2024 The University of Bristol’s BioDesign Institute hosted the Synthetic & Engineering Biology British-Swiss Summit on 22 May 2024. The inaugural event was devoted to understanding the opportunities presented by engineering biology technologies to drive innovation in healthcare, forging collaborations between Switzerland and the UK with a focus on environmental sustainability.

“Ground-breaking moment for science, innovation and technology” as UK’s most powerful supercomputer is officially online and debuts in global league 13 May 2024 The UK’S fastest and most powerful supercomputer, located at the University of Bristol, is now officially online, with pioneering technology helping to make the UK a world leader in artificial intelligence.

Bristol scientist leading charge to help UK achieve ‘net zero’ wins prestigious fellowship 2 May 2024 A University of Bristol physicist, who is training the next generation of nuclear scientists to meet future energy needs more sustainably, has been awarded a research fellowship.

Scientists discover higher levels of CO2 increase survival of viruses in the air and transmission risk 26 April 2024 A new study has revealed for the first time the vital role carbon dioxide (CO2) plays in determining the lifespan of airborne viruses – namely SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Ten new Community Fellows will inspire environmental research and action at the University of Bristol 25 April 2024 The Brigstow Institute and Cabot Institute for the Environment’s new Personal to the Planetary (P2P) Community Fellowships have brought together ten talented environmentalists for a deep and sustained engagement around the climate emergency.

Research shows veterinary deal would increase UK agrifood exports to EU by more than a fifth 25 April 2024 A veterinary deal with the European Union could increase UK agricultural and food exports by more than a fifth, according to new research.

Laser technology offers breakthrough in detecting illegal ivory 24 April 2024 A new way of quickly distinguishing between illegal elephant ivory and legal mammoth tusk ivory could prove critical to fighting the illegal ivory trade. A laser-based approach developed by scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Lancaster, could be used by customs worldwide to aid in the enforcement of illegal ivory from being traded under the guise of legal ivory. Results from the study are published in PLOS ONE today [24 April].

Octopus inspires new suction mechanism for robots 18 April 2024 A new robotic suction cup which can grasp rough, curved and heavy stone, has been developed by scientists at the University of Bristol.

Marine plankton behaviour could predict future sea life extinctions, study finds 17 April 2024 Marine communities migrated to Antarctica during the Earth’s warmest period in 66 million years long before a mass-extinction event.

New research reveals there are more school-based than regular foodbanks nationwide 17 April 2024 Research shows schools have increasingly stepped in as a fourth emergency service and are now the biggest source of charitable food and household aid for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Study shedding new light on Earth’s global carbon cycle could help assess liveability of other planets 10 April 2024 Research has uncovered important new insights into the evolution of oxygen, carbon, and other vital elements over the entire history of Earth – and it could help assess which other planets can develop life, ranging from plants to animals and humans.

Report warns performing arts under threat from future global shocks unless lessons are learned from pandemic 26 March 2024 Live performing arts are facing an existential threat from a range of potential global shocks unless there is significant and sustained investment in resilience planning, according to a new international study.

New partnership set to upskill workforce and advance research to achieve more sustainable future 26 March 2024 An exciting agreement aiming to reshape the educational and economic landscape of the South West in pursuit of green goals has been signed by the University of Bristol and Bridgwater & Taunton College.

Harnessing wind power for international shipping receives new wave of funding 18 March 2024 Bristol-based maritime engineering start-up WingTek, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre, has won a £2.2m innovation grant.

Prelaunch event held for new £11m REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre 13 March 2024 A special prelaunch event was held for the UKRI’s new Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) REWIRE at the University of Bristol on Tuesday (12 March).

Tsetse fly fertility damaged after just one heatwave, study finds 13 March 2024 The fertility of both female and male tsetse flies is affected by a single burst of hot weather, researchers at the University of Bristol and Stellenbosch University in South Africa have found.

Bristol leaps ahead in training next generation of leaders to tackle major global challenges 12 March 2024 Hundreds of talented scientists and engineers are set to advance solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges, ranging from reaching net-zero and developing sustainable energy to improving digital security and making the latest health breakthroughs.

Breakthrough technology for energy storage launches today 6 March 2024 A new cutting-edge energy storage technology has been developed by green energy company Superdielectrics Group Plc. This new technology stems from an ongoing collaboration with leading researchers at the University of Bristol who identified and validated the key mechanisms involved.

Bristol academic presents water supply research in Parliament 5 March 2024 An engineer who is working to improve the provision of safe drinking water in Sub-Saharan Africa presented her research in Parliament this week as part of the STEM for BRITAIN initiative.

University of Bristol academic awarded prestigious social sciences fellowship 5 March 2024 University of Bristol academic Professor Sarah Ayres has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of social sciences.

News in 2024